Polychrome Jasper For Sale

Polychrome jasper is only found on the northern coast of Madagascar. This jasper is typically multicolored, with pastel hues of purples, tans, and pinks. However, teal or blue polychrome jasper is more rare and sought after. The deposit was reportedly discovered in 2006 while searching for additional ocean jasper deposits. Polychrome jasper is typically polished and used for ornamental or decorative purposes.

Polychrome jasper is also frequently called desert jasper or royal savannah jasper. Some people might also consider it a variety of picture jasper.

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Jasper

$3 - $1,295

Where Is Polychrome Jasper Found?

Polychrome jasper is exclusively found in the coastal deserts of northern Madagascar. It's reportedly found in at least two other locations within close proximity, where it was naturally deposited as rounded, massive boulders, some of which can be quite large.

What Is Jasper?

Jasper is a fairly generic term for any type of opaque, aggregate of microgranular quartz or chalcedony that is colored by mineral inclusions. Jaspers can be found in a variety of colors from red to yellow, blue, and green and are typically multi-colored. The most common jasper patterns include interesting marbling and veining, orbital rings, streaks, spots, flaming and banding. There are many different trade names and classifications for jasper (such as Polychrome jasper), many of which have very loose definitions.

How Is Jasper Different Than Agate?

The main difference between jasper and agate lies in the amount of impurities in the silica. Jasper usually has more impurities, causing it to be more opaque, while agates have less impurities and are more translucent.

How Does Jasper Form?

While agate typically forms within cavities in igneous rocks or limestones, jasper often forms when fine particles of sediment or ash are cemented by silica. These particles are what gives jasper its colors and opacity. The cementation process is sometimes so aggressive that the sediment, ash, or volcanic particles are dissolved or recrystallized into microcrystalline quartz.

POLYCHROME JASPER FOR SALE

Where Is Polychrome Jasper Found?

What Is Jasper?

How Is Jasper Different Than Agate?

How Does Jasper Form?